20/20's Twenty Questions with with Jennifer Thompson, A-list Events.
Jennifer Thompson is the co-founder of A List Events International. Commencing in 2002 A List Events International has recently expanded to Melbourne and shortly, Shanghai.
A List Events International specialises in corporate events and conferencing and caters for all types of business and sporting events.
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1. What was your first ever job?
Working in my dads shop ‘Paul Barry Menswear’. I think I was 5 when I sold my first pair of socks!!!
2. What did you want to do when you were 20?
Work in PR and have a good time!
3. What were you doing when you were 20?
Working at the Cairns International Hotel as a front office receptionist.
4.How long have you been in your current position?
Six years and counting
5. What are your 3 tips for success?
1. Have a positive attitude
2. Be determined and do not let seemingly impossible tasks deter you
3. Be organised
6. What do you like most about your industry?
The late nights (not!!)
7. What do you dislike most about your industry?
Specifically the task I dislike the most is taking out the rubbish after an event when everyone has gone home (I am working on a strategy to combat this!). Seriously, there’s not much to dislike!
8. What motivates you most to go to work each day?
The thrill, the excitement…the fact I have children to feed and put through school!!
9. If you had an opportunity to change careers for a month – what would you do?
Either Prime Minister or Robbie Williams’s girlfriend….so hard to choose! (Pedro knows I would choose the Prime Minister’s job!!)
10. What is the best thing about doing business in Cairns?
The fact that it is relatively easy to manage the master guest list as Cairns is so small!
11. Have you ever had a great idea or innovation that you wish had the time to pursue?
I have had many ideas…the best one being my own business – which I had time to pursue!
12. Who do you aspire to in business or in life?
Fulfilment in all aspects of life.
13. If you could re-live one moment in your life – what would it be?
There are definitely two – the first moments I saw my 2 boys….and then when I first met Pedro!
14. Who would be on your ultimate dinner-party table of 8?
- Pedro - of course
- Kylie Minogue – my age!
- Arnold Swartznegger – what a fascinating life!
- Madonna – would be amazing
- Anthony Hopkins – must be fascinating
- Xanana Gusmao – for Pedro
- Elle MacPherson - such a smart business woman
- Prince William or Harry
- Richard Branson – (can I cheat and have 9)
15. Describe the best holiday you ever went on?
Would have to be Portugal – I met Pedro there, stayed 4 years, had my first child, learned another language and culture…..who could ask for more!
16. Which is your favourite restaurant for that Friday afternoon lunch?
No time for lunch on Fridays anymore…it used to be Verdis when it was in Abbott street and I was young!
17 What was the latest gadget/ toy you bought?
Do handbags count? I just bought a stunner from Vivienne Francine.
Other than that it would have to be the latest IMAC’s for the office and the new I Phone which is coming in a week.
18. Tell us something we don’t know about you?
I was born one month early (so they say!)
19. What’s the best advice you have ever been given?
To follow your instincts.
20. What do you want to be doing when you are 80?
Relaxing in the Algarve.
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